Celebrating 13 years in Houston relocation

Today marks my 13th anniversary in the magical world of relocation! It has been a wild ride, but I have loved every minute of it!

I tried to get out once, and actually succeeded for about six months, but during that time, I longed for the excitement that goes with real estate and relocation. So, back in I plunged.

I have spent most of my time on the real estate brokerage side of relocation, except for a very short stint on the destination services side of the business. But, it is this moment in time that means the most to me. I am writing about the business that I love and have been so passionate about for all of these years.

Many people involved in Houston relocation first met me when I walked into their office in October 2000 dressed as the Cat in the Hat. I have always been willing to do whatever it takes to be different and stand out, so dressing up for Halloween and delivering treats to clients and would-be-clients was just part of my style. It always makes me smile when people tell me that they remember me walking around their office dressed as the Cat in the Hat all those years ago.

As I reminisce about the past 13 years, I think the thing that stands out to me the most are the many friendships I have made and the wonderful people I have met from all over the country and all over the world as part of the job. While those relationships have been vital to my career, the line often gets blurred between my professional life and my personal life. It is all intertwined.

I have also had some really great teachers as well as some awesome students. This business is ever-changing, and keeping up with all the latest trends is an important aspect of relocation. There is always something to learn, and someone willing to teach it to you.

Jo Ann Royer

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the one person who has probably taught me the most. Her name is Jo Ann Royer, and she is the relocation director for Williams Trew Sotheby’s International Realty in Fort Worth. I first met Jo Ann about five years ago, and she quickly became my mentor, my trusted adviser, my relocation training partner, and most importantly, my friend.

A few days ago Jo Ann and I were talking about the importance of having strong partners that we know we can always count on, and the value that we place on being able to learn from each other and collaborating whenever possible.

Jo Ann said, “At the end of the day, we all have the same number of hours to spend, but it is how we use those hours and who we know we can rely on that makes all the difference in what we do.” I could not agree more!

Thank you to everyone who has made these past 13 years so special! I am honored to work in an industry filled with such great people who have been so willing to share so much with me.